You did it. You served your country and now you’re a proud Veteran. But you’re also now on the job hunt for a civilian career, which can feel complicated when the work you were doing sounds so different than the work you’re applying to do. Luckily, your military service can translate into numerous skills that…
Vaccines can help keep you healthy
A cold or the flu can leave you feeling miserable for days, but a few simple habits can help keep you healthy and strong. Wash your hands often with soap and water and try not to touch your face—especially your eyes, nose and mouth. Stay away from people who are sick when you can, and…
Live Whole Health #286: Your body needs some love!
My neck is tight. My arms feel weak. My back is aching. My legs are tired. When was the last time you gave your body some attention and love? When we ignore our bodies, they start to call out to us, asking for relief. The good news is that it only takes half an hour…
The Watch: VHA’s essential eyes and ears during emergencies
The Watch is a small team of emergency managers at the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) who stand guard around the clock to ensure continuous care for Veterans during emergencies. This team maintains constant vigilance across VA’s extensive health care system, acting as the link between on-the-ground events and VA leadership. Constant awareness and quick response…
Veteran says VA Health Connect saved his life
Sometimes, expert help can make the difference between life and death. For Veteran Dale Becker, a sudden, life-threatening medical emergency brought him face-to-face with that reality when he turned to VA Health Connect for help. Becker’s story begins in December 2024, when he had a fall in his kitchen caused by diabetes-related complications. Because he…
Helping incarcerated Veterans find hope and resources
Incarcerated and justice-involved Veterans are among the most vulnerable groups at risk for suicide, particularly those experiencing or at risk of homelessness. VA’s Veterans Justice Outreach (VJO) program works nationally to bring hope, support and essential resources to these Veterans—often during their most difficult moments. Each year, hundreds of VA outreach specialists visit over 2,000…
VA Pittsburgh dedicates braille flag
In July, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System dedicated a touchable brass U.S. flag on its H.J. Heinz III campus. The flag was donated by District 11 of the Pennsylvania Moose Association (PMA). The flag is mounted outside the Intermediate Low Vision Clinic in Building 71 on the Heinz campus. In the upper left corner are the…
Improving Veterans’ financial well-being and mental health
What part of your life causes you the most stress? For many people, the answer is “money.” And while financial stress is common, Veterans often face unique challenges to their financial well-being after leaving the military. In the military, service members have their basic needs met—food, clothing, housing, medical care, social activities and transportation. But…
Rural community profile: Revisiting Fort Harrison, Montana
With almost a quarter of all Veterans in the United States residing in rural communities, ensuring they receive quality health care close to home is a top VA priority. Today, we’re headed west to Fort Harrison VA Medical Center (VAMC), which boasts over 100 years of providing high-quality care for Veterans. Fort Harrison VA Medical…
Veterans earn, learn and grow in the garden
In the five decades since the Veterans Garden first sprouted at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center, the green oasis has seen its share of ups and downs. At its height two decades ago, the garden employed dozens of Veterans in a work therapy initiative before falling into disrepair after the program ended. For…
Now available: VA Headache Coach app
If you’re living with traumatic brain injury (TBI), post-traumatic headache, chronic migraines, sleep issues or other health conditions, managing your headaches can feel overwhelming. Keeping track of symptoms, managing medications and keeping up with appointments can be exhausting. To make the process easier, VA, in collaboration with Yale University, has launched the VA Headache Coach, a…
How to navigate VA’s new secure sign-in changes
To protect your personal information and help prevent scammers from stealing your VA benefits, VA has changed its secure sign-in requirements for all online VA services. Here’s what you need to do to prepare for those changes and how to get help. What’s changing? You can no longer use your My HealtheVet ID and password…
